Federal bill would require short lines for voters, early voting in states

With time at a premium for many Americans, one lawmaker wants to make it mandatory that no one should wait more than one hour to vote.

Recent long lines at polling places throughout the country prompted Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, to introduce legislation Thursday night designed to shorten how long it takes to cast a ballot.

Solano County Deputy Registrar of Voters John Gardner said he applauds such efforts. However, Gardner said such a requirement must come with money to pay for more workers, training, polling places and equipment.

In Solano, Gardner said some voters encountered long lines during the Nov. 6 presidential election. But, he is unsure how prevalent the lines were or if they created any major problems.

"California is actually pretty good," Miller said. "In other parts of the country some voters are waiting three to four hours, and that's unacceptable."

Locally, Miller said Solano County residents and others locally who commute long distances and are short on time would benefit from shorter lines on federal election days.

"Voting should become convenient. People shouldn't have to make a choice between picking up the kids or commuting and voting," he said.

The bill's language provides no federal funds to implement any local changes. However, Miller said he would be open to discussing funding as the bill makes it through committees.

Miller's proposed bill also would require early voting in all states during federal elections, for a minimum of 15 days prior to Election Day.

California has early voting and Gardner said it is a convenient option for many unable to cast ballots on Election Day.

In Solano, some 1,750 cast early ballots at the Solano Registrar of Voters Office in Fairfield before the Nov. 6 election, Gardner said.

Miller said that residents in all states should have such voting convenience.

Miller's SIMPLE (Streamlining and Improving Methods at Polling Locations and Early) Voting Act also would require states to ensure that each voting precinct has sufficient resources.

And, it would require states to have contingency plans to resolve situations in which long lines do develop.